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Single Idea 5262

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / g. Love]

Full Idea

It is generally accepted that not everything is loved, but only what is lovable; and that this is either good, or pleasant, or useful.

Gist of Idea

Only lovable things are loved, and they must be good, or pleasant, or useful

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1155b16)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.260


A Reaction

It needs the great analyst himself to explain to us the ingredients of love. He, of course, goes on to say that good things are the most lovable. It is hard to disagree.